Report: St Patricks Athletic 1 - 0 Cobh Ramblers
Credit:
Saint Patrick’s Athletic’s 1-0 victory against Cobh Ramblers tonight keeps them at the summit of the Premier Division after a fairly dull encounter at Richmond Park. Newly promoted Ramblers slip back into premature relegation woes despite an impressive victory over Shamrock Rovers at St. Coleman’s Park last week.
It's been 14 years since Saint Patrick’s Athletic and Cobh Ramblers last met in the Premier Division and this re-introduction offered little in terms of inspiration or flair. Pat’s started the stronger with Keith Fahy orchestrating most of the moves from midfield while Dessie Byrne came close to scoring a bizarre goal on six minutes when his corner was tipped round the post by James McCarthy. Five minutes later though, Pat’s were on target, when Gary Dempsey released Mark Quigley on the sideline. After a quick dart into the box he thought about the shot before releasing Ryan Guy on the right wing who blasted in from close range at the near post giving McCarthy no chance.
Ramblers rarely threatened the Pat’s goal in the opening half but Alan Kearney came closest to equalising. He twice had goal bound efforts saved by Barry Ryan from 15 yards out before the referee called an end to a tepid half at Richmond.
The second half picked up where the first half left off with neither side looking likely to take control. Pat’s were unlucky not to double their lead just after the break when Mark Quigley pulled the ball back from the by-line to give Dessie Byrne a free shot on goal which bounced off the crossbar to safety.
Tellingly, Ramblers came closest from an attempted cross by Ken Coleman which Ryan clawed out just on the hour mark and were almost gifted an equaliser when David Partridge scuffed a clearance that went just inches over his own bar. The last 20 minutes petered out, as if both sides were willing to settle for 1-0, with goal scoring opportunities proving to be something of a rare commodity, though Ramblers were unlucky not to get something from the game in the end given the temerity of their performance against a title challenging side.
This win leaves Pat’s 4 points clear at the top, but if they produce second rate performances like this against the bigger teams, they will be lucky to remain in pole position.
St Patrick’s Ath: Barry Ryan; John Frost, Damien Lynch, Stephen Paisley, Dessie Byrne (Alan Kirby 77); Keith Fahy, Gary Dempsey, Dave Partridge (Stephen Brennan 86), Ryan Guy; Mark Quigley, Gary O’Neill (Michael Keane 91).
Subs not used: Robbie Horgan, Bobby Ryan.
Cobh Ramblers: James McCarthy; Ken Coleman, Kevin Murray, Shane Guthrie, John Meade; Shane Barrett (John Kearney 46), Alan Kearney, Davin O’Neill, Michael Mulconry (Michael O’Shea 79); Kieran O’Reilly, Graham Cummins.
Subs not used: Conor Meade, Jamie Wunsch, Stephen Mulcahy.
Referee: Declan Hanney.
Attendance: 1,586
